Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy

A form of psychotherapy where horses are partners in the therapeutic process.

What is it? Is it for me? Informations FAQ

Why Horses?

Horses are large animals who live in groups. As prey animals, they are naturally attentive to their environment and highly responsive to the behaviour and communication of those around them. At the same time, horses are curious animals, including towards humans.
These characteristics can make horses valuable partners in a therapeutic process. Building a relationship with an animal can also offer the opportunity to experience a relationship without judgement, and to develop a different kind of connection.
Horses are particularly responsive to body language and changes in behaviour. Their presence can therefore offer opportunities to become more aware of emotions, behaviours and bodily responses, and to explore areas such as emotional regulation, confidence, communication, self-awareness and connection with others.
The presence of a horse can also support nervous system regulation and create opportunities to slow down, notice what happens within ourselves and in the relationship, and have experiences that may sometimes feel too risky with other human beings.

A different way of doing therapy

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy differs from horse-based wellbeing activities in that it is psychotherapy, with an experiential and relational dimension involving horses. It provides a framework for working on different aspects of mental health within a therapeutic relationship, guided by a trained mental health professional.
The presence of horses and the naturel environment creates a different setting from talking therapy alone. The experiential dimension can take us beyond conversation, inviting observation, relationship and communication, attention to the present moment, and opportunities to explore things in a different way from talking therapy. The horse becomes a partner in the process, and what happens in this relationship can become something we observe, reflect on and explore together.

Horses are not magical, nor are they simply tools within the therapeutic process. They are sentient living beings. The relationship we may build with a horse can be a meaningful encounter along the way towards greater wellbeing, and towards a different relationship with ourselves and with the world around us.

What does research say?

Research into related equine-assisted interventions is growing. Current research suggests promising results, particularly in relation to trauma and PTSD, as well as anxiety and other psychological outcomes. Studies have also suggested potential benefits for emotional regulation, social interaction and self-confidence. Qualitative research highlights positive experiences and perceived benefits, and suggests that equine-assisted approaches may offer a meaningful way of engaging in therapeutic work.
However, the field is still developing, and studies vary considerably in their methods, populations and interventions. Larger and better-standardised studies are still needed before firm conclusions can be drawn about the effectiveness of these approaches.
Are Equine Assisted Interactions a Dark Horse Bet? (2025)
Equine-Assisted Therapy in Post-Traumatic-Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (2023)
Psychodynamic Based Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy…: A Systematic Review (2020)

A note about Equine-Assisted Therapy

Equine-Assisted Therapy is not a legally regulated practice in the UK. The term can refer to a wide range of practices and is not necessarily used consistently across the field. Depending on the practitioner, it may describe anything from horse-based wellbeing activities to work provided by practitioners with expertise in both mental health and horses.
The right approach will depend on what you are looking for. It may therefore be worth looking beyond the label and considering the practitioner’s mental health qualifications, specific training in Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, and experience working with horses.

Is this for me?

  • Feeling overwhelmed, stressed or anxious
  • Feeling stuck or disconnected
  • Questioning who you are or where you are going
  • Struggling with emotions, relationships, or self-esteem
  • Carrying experiences from the past that still affect you today
  • Having difficulties around food, body image, or your relationship with yourself
  • Trying to make sense of painful or traumatic experiences
  • Feeling that you connect better through experiences than through words alone
  • Wanting to better understand yourself
  • Simply curious

What does a session look like?

The process begins with a free 30-minute video call to get to know each other a bit, answer any questions and see whether the approach feels right.
A session lasts approximately one hour and generally takes place in three stages: observing the herd, interacting with a horse, and reflecting on the experience.
All the work takes place on the ground. There is no riding, and you do not need any previous knowledge of horses, or even any particular affinity with them.
Sessions take place in a safe environment, and I am always present. Interaction with a horse, or with the herd, can be stopped at any time. Your safety is always a priority.
The therapeutic intervention plan is co-constructed with each person according to the therapeutic goals we define together. These goals, as well as what emerges during the sessions, help determine the activities and the pace of the work.

My approach

I offer psychotherapy incorporating horses within a clinical and ethical framework.
I am a trained and experienced psychologist (see my About Me page), and my interest in psychology grew, in part, from an early interest in equine-assisted work. I have been fortunate to experience many different aspects of life with horses over the years — as an owner, rider, competitor and breeder, and through working with young horses as they began their training. While I have enjoyed all of these experiences, what has always mattered most to me is the relationship with the horse itself.
Horses have been an important part of my life since childhood, and my relationship with them has taught me a great deal. They have helped me grow and, when I was young, offered me things that the adults around me could not always offer. They have also contributed to my resilience over the years. This is part of what led me, over time, to want to make it possible for other people to experience what a relationship with a horse can offer them.

Sessions

Sessions last approximately one hour and take place on the ground.
Free 30-minute video call required before the first session.

Location

Sessions take place in a quiet natural setting. Adress to be confirmed.

What to wear

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for the outdoors.

Fees

For information about fees and to enquire about availability, please visit the Fees & Contact page.

Frequency

The frequency of sessions is agreed together, based on your needs and my availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. You do not need any particular knowledge of horses or previous experience with them, not even to have touched a horse before!

No. Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy takes place on the ground, and riding is not part of the sessions.

You can still get in touch. We can talk about your concerns and see together whether this approach could feel appropriate and interesting for you.

Alternating Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy with talking therapy can be helpful, whether with me or another professional. We can think and discuss what might work best for you.

You do not need to decide before getting in touch. We can discuss what you are looking for and whether this approach might be a good fit for you.

Meeting the horses before your first appointment may be possible depending on the circumstances. The free 30-minute video call with me will help answer your questions et get to know each other a bit. Coming for an appointment does not commit you to continuing with further sessions.

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